Health monitoring and active control of composite structures using piezoceramic patches

This paper presents new techniques under development for monitoring the health and suppressing the vibration of flexible composite structures. The techniques use piezoceramic patches bonded to the structure for actuation and sensing. Simulations and experiments are presented to demonstrate the utility of the methods for beam and panel structures. Limitations of piezoceramic materials are discussed, and suggestions are given for improving the techniques and for developing new uses of piezoceramic materials and smart structures.